Vicky McLelland Health and Wellbeing Advisor

Transcript:Vicky McLelland Health and Wellbeing Advisor:
Vicky McLelland Health and Wellbeing Advisor Mental Health First Aid Instructor How to Manage Your Stress Around Coronavirus (COVID 19) Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (World Health Organisation definition). It is important that you take care of you to make sure you stay healthy whether you are in your workplace, working from home/days off or self-isolating Many people feel stressed, anxious and fearful about the effects of COVID 19 People working in the NHS are referred to as “Heroes” by the media Even Heroes feel fear! Fear can: - Lead to stress and anxiety or You can use it to give you strength and determination to be the best person you can be at this difficult time They are normal reactions to fear or worry Your body releases adrenaline and cortisol causing one of the following response Don’t feel bad if you feel stressed or anxious about of COVID 19 Stress and Anxiety Both are survival reactions You can do this anywhere and it can help you to relax and focus for a few minutes on stopping, but then continue focussing on what you were doing before. Stop what you are doing Take a few breaths slowly Observe the breath in and out and anything else that comes into your awareness. Do not judge just observe. This may be your thoughts, emotions, your mood or physical feelings. Observe them and then release them, don’t focus on them. Release this practice and Proceed with the next thing that you have to do. Take time to notice how you feel after this short break. If you feel very stressed or anxious try the STOP Practice How can you reduce your stress and anxiety? Follow the advice we have been given: If you have recent onset of a new continuous cough and/or high temperature self-isolate for 7 days from when your symptoms started Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds, using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, or after being in public areas. To reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue in a bin immediately. Follow advice on social distancing – stay